How did Manly Hall, as a young man, create this masterpiece of contemporary occult reference material? According to Occult America, he went to the local public library to explore the mysteries of the ages, and ended up with the material to make this book. He ended up with a lot of material, which is somewhat haphazardly "organized" in this volume. The materials are at least roughly chronologically organized, starting with ruminations on Atlantis and ancient mysteries and secret societies, looking at the Zodiac, the Hiramic legend, Pythagoras, Thoth Hermes Trismegistus, and Isus, as well as a look at solar worship. Several chapters of the book are devoted to the symbolism of the Pyramid, humankind, and plant and animal worlds, and several more are devoted to Qabbala, the mystery religion of Judaism, as well as a look at Rosicrucian history and doctrine, and alchemy. There are chapters on Bacon that claim him to be the real Shakespeare, as well as chapters on Islam, mystery Christianity, American Indian symbolism, and an ode to the success of heathen mystery religions at infiltrating Christianity and using it as a way of preserving ancient pagan ways in new wineskins. The book contains text, images, and even the occasional copy of ancient texts for curious readers. The Secret Teachings of All Ages by Canadian mystic and astrologer Manly P. Hall, was first published in 1928. The book is Hall's magnum opus, and is a comprehensive introduction to all aspects of the Esoteric, including the Qabalah, Tarot, Ceremonial Magic, Mystery Religions, Rosicrucianism, Neo-Platonic Philosophy, and Freemasonry - an encyclopedia of ancient mythology, ritual, symbolism, and the arcane mysteries of the ages with over 200 illustrations. The publishing of the book instantly gave Hall iconic status within the metaphysical movement. It ties together the secret teachings that have existed for centuries, including Druidic, Mithraic, Christian, Gnostic, Odinic, Gothic, Eleusinian, Orphic, Bacchic, Dionysian, Platonic, Atlantean, Cabric, Hermetic, Zodiacal, Astrological, Chaldean, Delphic, Orphic, and more. It definitely contains some questionable parts, like for example the bits on Islam, but the information on other subjects far outweigh these. Reading this in its entirety will put you in good stead to dive further into these often complex subjects.

After The Secret Teachings of All Ages circulated, Hall became increasingly influential on the metaphysical movement sweeping the United States. His book challenged assumptions about society's spiritual roots making readers view their spirituality in new and diverse ways. [3] :52 He subtitled his book to "the proposition that concealed within the emblematic figures, allegories and rituals of the ancients is a secret doctrine concerning the inner mysteries of life, which doctrine has been preserved in toto among a small band of initiated minds." [5] :20 As one writer put it: "The result was a gorgeous, dreamlike book of mysterious symbols, concise essays and colorful renderings of mythical beasts rising out of the sea, and angelic beings with lions' heads presiding over somber initiation rites in torch-lit temples of ancestral civilizations that had mastered latent powers beyond the reach of modern man." [3] :50 This book is a philosophical master piece. If you love the secret knowledge passed down via the ancient mystery schools and if you love philosophy then I recommend this book. Not only does Mr. Hall cover every philosopher in the pre-Socratic era and post-Socratic era but he gives a brief description of the philosophy and doctrines they taught. In addition, he covers Rosicrucianism, Freemasonry, alchemy, the Kabbalah, the Qabbalah, The life and teachings of Thoth Hermes Trismegistus, the tarot, the zodiac, the pyramids, cryptology, and Mystic Christianity to name a few. As Hall stated, “The entire theory of the book is diametrically opposed to the modern method of thinking, for it is concerned with subjects openly ridiculed by the sophists of the twentieth century. Its true purpose is to introduce the mind of the reader to a hypothesis of living wholly beyond the pale of materialistic theology, philosophy, or science”. About the Philosophical Research Society". McRae’s Bluebook. McRae’s Bluebook. Archived from the original on 3 March 2009 . Retrieved 7 August 2008. This book is both famed in it's own Rosy Crux circles, and at the same time is so little known that there are probably thousands of books that have used it as a reference work (some may not even know that their quotes from other great references are actually taking their inspiration from Hall who dedicated a great deal of his life just to this book's complettion. The earliest editions are nearly three feet tall and come with all 200 illustrations in full color, and it is one of the books I have ever seen that truly can be called a work of art - the traditions of illuninated manuscripts and other post-Christian era occult works. I forewarn the potential reader that this is not an ordinary book. Even getting through a few chapters can take all the concentration a gifted scholar is able to muster. Yet if you take the time to absorb the wealth of knowledge contained herein - you will have a better education in mysticism and the occult than most. Sahagun, Louis (2008). Master of the Mysteries: The Life of Manly Palmer Hall. Process. ISBN 978-1-934170-02-1.And if you are knowledgeable of Manly P. Hall and this text, you already understand. I have had this for many years in my personal collection. I believe it is one of top ten books you can read before you die, and one of the classics ever written in human literature. Like no other book of the twentieth century, Manly P. Hall’s legendary The Secret Teachings of All Ages is a codex to the ancient occult and esoteric traditions of the world. Students of hidden wisdom, ancient symbols, and arcane practices treasure Hall’s magnum opus above all other works.

In 1988, Hall wrote: "The greatest knowledge of all time should be available to the twentieth century not only in the one shilling editions of the Bohn Library in small type and shabby binding, but in a book that would be a monument, not merely a coffin. John Henry Nash agreed with me." [6] :4 Further publications and lectures [ edit ] Manly Palmer Hall collection of alchemical manuscripts (1500-1825)". Getty Research Institute. hdl: 10020/cifa950053 . Retrieved 23 November 2020. You're probably thinking "calm down dude, why are you so angry?" to which I'd reply that I care so much about truth, it's what I always sought after in economics, politics, music, gym...etc I want things that are A. real and that B. work, and when it comes to spiritual matters the desire for truth is amplified.A classic since 1928, this masterly encyclopedia of ancient mythology, ritual, symbolism, and the arcane mysteries of the ages is available for the first time in a compact "reader's edition."

Nichols, Kimberly (15 December 2012). "The Maestro and the Boy: The Kindness of Manly P. Hall | Newtopia Magazine". Newtopiamagazine.wordpress.com . Retrieved 6 May 2015.Wilson, Brandon (2021) “ “A Forgotten Father of the New Age: Manly P. Hall and His Impact on American Metaphysical Religion” Denslow, William R. (1958). 10,000 Famous Freemasons, vol. ii. [Trenton, MO.: Missouri Lodge of Research / Educational Bureau, Royal Arch Mason Magazine]. p.165. The preeminence of any philosophical system can be determined only by the excellence of its products. The Mysteries have demonstrated the superiority of their culture by giving to the world minds of such overwhelming greatness, souls of such beatific vision, and lives of such outstanding impeccability that even after the lapse of ages the teachings of these individuals constitute the present spiritual, intellectual, and ethical standards of the race." These are some of the authorized HC reprint editions issued by PRS over the years, any of which are worth buying. I've not seen each edition, but it seems they have color illustrations that are reprinted in b&w in the 1989 pb 'Diamond Jubilee Edition':